The cellar houses a white wine from 1472, officially tested only three times in history: in 1576, 1718, and 1944.
It is the only place in the world where wine is still stored in barrels within the basement of a functioning hospital.
The wine produced here is sold to support the operation of the Strasbourg University Hospitals.
The cellar was originally built by the hospital to offer wine to patients, as it was considered a medicinal necessity in the Middle Ages.
The 1472 vintage is legally preserved and only opened for exceptional historic occasions, such as the liberation of Strasbourg in 1944.
The facility contains traditional Alsatian foudres, some of which date back to the 18th century.
The Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg is a centuries-old wine cellar located within the basement of the Strasbourg Civil Hospital. Dating back to 1395, it was established by local merchants and wealthy citizens as a way to fund hospital care through wine production and storage. The cellar preserves the oldest wine stored in a barrel in the world, a white wine dating from 1472. Visitors can explore the cavernous, vaulted stone chambers where wines from the Alsace region continue to be matured in massive oak casks. Guided tours provide insight into the site's unique architectural history and its historical role in medical philanthropy. The cellar produces its own range of wines that are aged and bottled on-site. The environment remains cool and dimly lit year-round, reflecting its industrial viticulture heritage. It functions as both a historical museum and an active, functioning wine production facility.
The central nave of the cellar, surrounded by the massive, historic wooden wine casks.
Bring a light jacket, as the temperature in the cellar remains consistently cool regardless of the outside weather.
Check the official website ahead of time to see if a guided tour is required, as access to certain deep areas is restricted.
Consider purchasing a bottle of the hospital's own labeled wine from the shop as a unique souvenir.
Do not attempt to enter the hospital wards; keep to the clearly marked paths for the cellar entrance.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Maintain a quiet tone to respect the fact that you are inside an active hospital complex.
